Marlys Byker

Heaven gained an angel with the peaceful passing of Marlys Edith Byker on February 23, 2024.  Marlys was born in Milaca, MN on September 30, 1935 to August and Edith Nelson.  She graduated from Milaca High School and in August 1953, Marlys married Gerald Byker of Pease, MN.  Together they had four children whom they raised in Onamia, MN on a small hobby farm.  While in Onamia, Marlys worked as a medical records clerk at Mille Lacs Health System.  Later on in life, Marlys moved to Foley, MN where she was visited often by family and friends and became a beloved resident of the Gardens at Foley.  Marlys cherished family and was so proud of her four children, nine grandchildren and twenty-one great-grandchildren.  She had a very generous heart, rarely missing an occasion to mail a greeting card, and also worked several years as a hospice volunteer.  She enjoyed playing hymns on piano, visiting with friends, and spending time with family at the cabin on Sugar Lake.

Marlys will be missed by all who knew and loved her, including her children: Ben (Mary) Byker of St. Joseph, Brad (Betsy) Byker of Osceloa, WI, Beth Byker of Milaca and Bryan Byker of St. Paul;  grandchildren, Andre, Jessie, Josh, Emily, Lucas, Stephannie, Adam, Megan and Tom;  many beautiful great-grandchildren.  Marlys joins her parents and brother, Jim Nelson in heaven.

A service to celebrate the life of Marlys will be held Monday, March 11, 2024 at 11 AM at Gustavus Adolphus Lutheran Church in Foley.  Visitation will take place one hour prior to the service at the church on Monday. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Marlys’ name are preferred to The Gardens at Foley Resident Council, 253 Pine Street, Foley, MN 56329.